Labor Day on first Monday of every September recognizes the men and women who labor to build this country. Through a time-honored tradition with roots in the coordinated efforts of the labor movement of the 1800s, we salute the American workforce.
Since the founding of the United States, the country has relied on its workforce for its infrastructure. From its streets and buildings to its transportation and security, the nation runs on labor. The labor of what we create, build and harvest fuels our education and inspires our dreams.
This National Day also signals the official end of summer. Those who work hard, need time to play, too. With the school year starting and summer winding down, the long weekend beckons. They use the extra day earned to spend with families and catch some R&R. Some will explore cities while others will seek outdoor adventure. No matter where it’s spent, it’s well earned.
So if enjoying a last mini vacation, football game, parade, or barbeque, remember all the hard work the American worker has put into the lives we currently enjoy. Take a moment to remember all those teachers, doctors, road crews, miners, steel and auto industry, manufacturing, blue-collar, white-collar and everything in between that have given to the American economy and our way of life.
HISTORY OF LABOR DAY
On September 5, 1882, Labor Day first honored workers in New York City. The observance later moved to the first Monday in September in 1884. However, the observance wasn’t officially recognized by any government entity until 1885 when a municipal ordinance was passed. Interestingly, Oregon recognized the day in 1887 before New York state’s bill passed. As more states recognized the observance, its popularity grew. Then, in 1894, Congress declared the day to be a national observance.
HOW TO OBSERVE LABOR DAY
Many families spend Labor Day weekend on vacation. They pack the campgrounds full or explore tourist towns for one last hurrah! As you celebrate this day, consider and appreciate your hard work and how it has added to the well-being and prosperity of our country. If you must see them, be extra nice to those who don’t get the holidays some of us do. Medical, nurses and health care, all first responders, a lot of retail workers and any others who still have to work today. Use #LaborDay to post on social media.
On the third Monday in February, the United States celebrates the federal holiday known as Presidents Day. The day takes place during the birth month of the country’s two most prominent presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While the day once only honored President George Washington on his birthday, February 22nd, the day now never lands on a single president’s birthday.
Across the country, most Americans know the day as Presidents Day. More and more of the population celebrates the day to honor all of the past United States Presidents who have served the country. Throughout the country, organizations and communities celebrate the day with public ceremonies.
PRESIDENTS DAY HISTORY
The origin of Presidents Day lay in the 1880s when the birthday of George Washington was celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill. The bill moved several federal holidays to Mondays creating three-day weekends. During the debate on the bill, one proposal suggested George Washington’s birthday be renamed Presidents Day to honor the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington’s birthday is February 22nd and Lincoln’s birthday is February 12th. Although Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, it was never an official federal holiday. Following much discussion, Congress rejected the name change.
Despite the rejection, soon after the bill went into effect in 1971, and the observance of Washington’s birthday shifted to the third Monday in February, gradually Presidents Day became the commonly accepted name. Over time, the observance came to be known to many as a day to honor both Washington and Lincoln. However, today another shift has occurred and many see the day as a celebration of all the U.S. Presidents.
Did You Know…
U.S. presidential elections are held every four years. The next presidential election will be held in 2024.
U.S. presidents take the oath of office according to the 20th Amendment of the United States Constitution. It states that the term of each U.S. President begins at noon on January 20th following the election. The oath of office is taken during the inauguration on that day.
The United State’s first president, George Washington, took his oath of office on April 30, 1789, at the federal hall in New York City.
HOW TO OBSERVE PRESIDENTS DAY
Some businesses close for the day, including banks and federal buildings, so make a note.
As the gateway to the new year, January is a month of new beginnings, reflection, and resilience. Named for the Roman god Janus, the deity of doors, gates, and transitions (who is depicted with two faces looking to the past and the future), January perfectly embodies this spirit of looking back and moving forward.
Season and Weather
In the Northern Hemisphere, January is typically the heart of winter, with cold temperatures, shorter days, and potential for snow, ice, and frost. Average temperatures in regions like North America and Europe can range from below freezing to mild, depending on location—think blustery winds and cozy indoor vibes. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences summer, with warmer weather, longer daylight, and opportunities for outdoor activities like beach outings. Global weather patterns can include polar vortex events in the north or monsoons in some tropical areas.
January encourages a blend of outdoor winter fun and indoor coziness, especially with New Year’s resolutions motivating fitness and self-improvement. Popular activities include:
Outdoor: Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, building snowmen, or having snowball fights in snowy areas. Indoor: Baking cookies, reading books, hosting game nights, or trying hot chocolate recipes. Seasonal: Starting fitness routines, decluttering homes, or planning travel. In warmer climates, hiking, picnics, or beach visits are common.
January is a major month in the sports calendar:
· American Football: The climax of the NFL season with the ** playoffs**, leading to the Super Bowl in early February. · Soccer: The midway point of the European football season, with domestic leagues and cups in full swing. · Tennis: The beginning of the Grand Slam season with the Australian Open in Melbourne.
January is full of holidays, observances, and awareness days. Notable ones include: January 1: New Year’s Day (a worldwide celebration of the new year). Epiphany (a Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Three Kings) falls on January 6. In the United States, the third Monday of January (January 20, 2025) is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which honors the civil rights leader. January 26 marks Australia Day and India’s Republic Day. Other fun or awareness days include National Bird Day (January 5), Houseplant Appreciation Day (January 10), and International Hot and Spicy Food Day (January 16).
Birthstones, Flowers, and Symbols Birthstone: Garnet, symbolizing protection, friendship, and trust. It’s a deep red gem believed to bring good health and vitality. Flower: Carnation (representing love and fascination) or snowdrop (symbolizing hope and renewal). Symbols: The month is associated with the Roman god Janus (two-faced deity of beginnings). Zodiac signs are Capricorn (December 22–January 19, earthy and ambitious) and Aquarius (January 20–February 18, innovative and humanitarian).
Symbols & Significance
· Birthstone: Garnet, a deep red stone symbolizing protection, friendship, trust, and enduring connections. · Birth Flower: The Carnation (symbolizing love, fascination, and distinction) and the Snowdrop (symbolizing hope, purity, and the triumph of life over winter). · Zodiac Signs: · Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Ambitious, disciplined, and practical. · Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Progressive, original, independent, and humanitarian.
Famous Birthdays Many influential figures share January birthdays. Here are some notable ones:
Elvis Presley David Bowie Martin Luther King Jr. Muhammad Ali Benjamin Franklin Oprah Winfrey Michelle Obama J.R.R. Tolkien Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales Virginia Woolf Justin Timberlake
Feel like Shopping?
January is a shopper’s sweet spot, with post-holiday clearance sales offering deep discounts on winter clothing, bedding and linens (classic “white sales”), fitness gear, TVs, beauty products, and home essentials like cookware. To maximize value, skip new cars (few incentives), late-season winter sports equipment, and big furniture or mattresses, which see better deals around Presidents’ Day in February. Shop smart this month for real savings without the regret.
I have a short cut I’ve used for years. I worked in retail for almost 20 years. Due to health issues, I can now ignore Black Friday hours. As much as I love the deals, having worked retail all those years, I want Amazon to deliver it!
While having to get up for work at 1am…no that’s not a typo. Get up at 1am, be at my store by 3am. While I do not miss those schedules, I learned some tricks that I still use when cooking Thanksgiving dinner. The biggest complaint I hear is how much work it takes, and spending all day in the kitchen. So with that in mind here are my turkey tricks…
Make sure to observe Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day! This is the perfect day get the fridge Thankgiving dinner ready. Even if your not hosting this will come in handy if you’re taking something along too.
If doing a whole turkey, even for just a few do the bigger one. The work to cook a big or small bird is about the same. 10lbs or 22lbs, you still have to defrost, clean, baste, roast, etc. So do the bigger bird and make it worth your time. Turkey’s go on great sales you have leftovers for 3 or more meals is a great investment of your time and money.
Just you 2? If your staying in and still want that traditional turkey? Try a turkey breast. Bone in or a Butterball Turkey breast roast are great alternatives. We like the roasts with both white and dark meat. You can cook traditionally in the oven, but a great time saver is your crockpot. You can add broth and water to keep it moist. Put it in the night before and you’re done. You can even toss potatoes and veggies to make a 1 (crock)pot dinner.
Use your extra time to cuddle up together. Enjoy a holiday movie, the football game, or something new. Read a book, or plot your shopping trip if you are doing ‘Black Friday.” However you spend it enjoy the memories you make big or small, they last far beyond the leftovers.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
This easy side dish not only looks great but tastes so good even the kids eat all these vegetables.
Ingredients
1 Eggplant 1 bag brussel sprout halves ( fresh produce) 2 bell peppers assorted colors 1 pint grape tomatoes (I cut mine in half) 1 purple medium onion in wide strips Broccoli florets Cauliflower florets Baby or chopped carrots You can add potatoes if you choose
I also add different seasoning depending who and how I’m serving them. I add Rosemary when serving with Christmas dinner. These also save a ton of time and you can skip the oil.
